Support column system for supporting at least one computer installation

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a support column system ( 100 ) for supporting at least one computer installation ( 101, 102 ), wherein the support column system comprises the following:
         a) at least one elongate support column ( 1 ) which is arranged for vertical fitting;   b) at least one vertical fastening means ( 7 ) which is arranged for fastening the support column ( 1 ) vertically to a floor, a ceiling, or a wall of a room, or for fastening said support column ( 1 ) to a roller platform;   c) at least one first support installation ( 2 ) that is fastened to the support column ( 1 ), for supporting at least one visual output device ( 101 ) of the computer installation;   d) at least one second support installation ( 3 ) that is fastened to the support column ( 1 ), for supporting at least one manual input device ( 102 ) of the computer installation;
 
characterized in that the support column ( 1 ) has at least one cut-out in an externally accessible wall, and at least one functional element ( 40 ) is routed through the cut-out, wherein at least one functional cover plate ( 4 ) is fastened in or on the cut-out and covers the cut-out, and the at least one functional element ( 40 ) by way of the at least one functional cover plate ( 4 ) is routed through the cut-out in a sealed manner.

The invention relates to a support column system for supporting at leastone computer installation, wherein the support column system comprisesthe following:

-   -   a) at least one elongate support column which is arranged for        vertical fitting;    -   b) at least one vertical fastening means which is arranged for        fastening the support column vertically to a floor, a ceiling,        or a wall of a room, or for fastening said support column to a        roller platform;    -   c) at least one first support installation that is fastened to        the support column, for supporting at least one visual output        device of the computer installation;    -   d) at least one second support installation that is fastened to        the support column, for supporting at least one manual input        device of the computer installation.

Support column systems for supporting a computer installation are known,for example from U.S. Pat. No. 8,191,487 B2. Such known support columnsystems do not always meet all requirements for the application inindustrial production facilities, in particular in terms of ruggedness,universal functionality, and insensitivity in relation to environmentalconditions.

The invention is based on the object of providing a support columnsystem for supporting at least one computer installation which bettermeets the requirements in the application in industrial productionfacilities.

This object in the case of a support column system of the type mentionedat the outset is achieved in that the support column has at least onecut-out in an externally accessible wall, and at least one functionalelement is routed through the cut-out, wherein at least one functionalcover plate is fastened in or on the cut-out and covers the cut-out, andthe at least one functional element by way of the at least onefunctional cover plate is routed through the cut-out in a sealed manner.A functional element can be a manual operating element, a visual displayelement, or a cable, for example. This has the advantage that, apartfrom the dedicated operating and output elements of the computerinstallation, an additional functional element can be disposed in alocation that is readily accessible to the user of the computerinstallation. The functional element can moreover be disposed directlyon the support column and is thus fastened in a robust and reliablemanner. Additional mountings do not have to be disposed on the supportcolumn. Moreover, the targeted tightness requirements of the supportcolumn system, for example a compliance with the IP65 requirements, canbe maintained on account of the sealed arrangement of the functionalcover plate on or in the cut-out.

Thus, by attaching a functional cover plate, a manual operating element,a visual display element, or a cable, or a plurality of these elementsalso in combination with one another, can be fastened as desireddirectly to the support column at a suitable location. The manualoperating element can be a button or a switch, for example, an emergencyshut-off activation element, for example, the computer installation or asystem that is connected to the computer installation being able to berapidly switched off in an emergency by activating said activationelement. The visual display element can be a signal lamp, for example.The manual operating element can also be configured so as to be combinedwith a visual display element, in that a signal lamp is integrated in aswitch or a button, for example. The parts of the computer installation,such as, for example, the visual output device and/or the manual inputdevice, can be connected without any complex installation of cables onaccount of the potential for routing a cable or a plurality of cablesthrough the cut-out in the wall of the support column. The cables can berouted in the interior of the support column, for example in a closedchamber of a multi-chamber profile of the support column, up to theupper or the lower end of the support column, in particular up to thevertical fastening means and routed onward from there by way of otherpaths such as, for example, a cable tunnel or a cable duct in the regionof the floor, the ceiling, or a wall.

The functional cover plate can be configured in particular as areplaceable functional cover plate. In this way, the support column canbe adapted to other functions and tasks by replacing a functional coverplate.

The functional cover plate can dispose of latching means, for example,latching cams, for example, by way of which the functional cover platecan be fastened to or in the cut-out in a rapid and simple manner. Thefunctional cover plate can additionally have an encircling seal so as toenable the desired seal in relation to the cut-out.

According to one advantageous refinement of the invention, it isprovided that the functional cover plate is disposed on a front side ora rear side of the support column. By attaching the functional coverplate to a front side of the support column, attaching manual operatingelements which have to be rapidly accessible by an operator, such as theemergency shut-off activation element, for example, is facilitated inparticular. Moreover, visual display elements can thus be disposed onthe support column in a position where the former can be readily noticedby the user. Attaching the functional cover plate to a rear side of thesupport column has the advantage that an arrangement of the cables inparticular for the installation of the cables is enabled which causeslittle disturbance to the user and does not disturb the overall visualappeal of the support column system.

According to one advantageous refinement of the invention, it isprovided that the functional cover plate has at least one conduit wall,running obliquely to the longitudinal direction of the support column,for routing a cable, or a plurality of conduit walls that are disposedin an oblique staggered manner. The conduit wall, or the conduit walls,thus forms/form allocation faces which can be allocated as desired toone or a plurality of functional elements. The oblique arrangement hasthe advantage in particular for the installation of cables that thelatter do not exit the upright column at a right angle but at acorresponding incline, wherein there is a choice, in particular in thecase of a plurality of conduit walls that are disposed in a staggeredmanner, as to whether the cable is to exit the support column in anoblique upward manner or an oblique downward manner.

The incline of the conduit wall or of the conduit walls can be alignedso as to be at an angle of approximately degrees to the longitudinalaxis of the support column, for example. Apart from the regions that areallocated to the conduit walls, the functional cover plate can also haveplanar surface regions which run so as to be substantially parallel withthe longitudinal axis of the support column. Should the functional coverplate not have any such a conduit wall that runs obliquely to thelongitudinal axis of the support column, the entire surface of saidfunctional cover plate is configured so as to be planar, for example, soas to be parallel with the longitudinal axis of the support column, forexample.

According to one advantageous refinement of the invention it is providedthat the functional cover plate has a fastening frame which in terms ofthe dimensions thereof is adapted to the dimensions of the cut-out. Inthis way, the functional cover plate fits into the cut-out in aparticularly positive manner, this having visual advantages andsimplifying the desired seal between the functional cover plate and thecut-out. Thus, an annular seal can be disposed on the functional coverplate, for example, said annular seal running around the fasteningframe. In particular, the fastening frame can be configured so as to beintegral to the functional cover plate.

According to one advantageous refinement of the invention, it isprovided that the support column is composed entirely or largely ofmetal. A robust support column is provided in this way. In particular,the support column can comprise the multi-chamber profile mentioned. Forexample, the support column can be provided as profiled extrusion, forexample from aluminum.

According to one advantageous refinement of the invention, it isprovided that the functional cover plate is composed entirely or largelyof plastics. This has the advantage that the functional cover plate canbe produced in large volumes in a simple and cost-effective manner, forexample by way of plastics injection molding process and/or a castingprocess. Moreover, the functional cover plate can be readily machined bythe user, for example in order to be equipped with the requiredfunctional elements.

According to one advantageous refinement of the invention, it isprovided that the first and/or the second support installation have/hasat least one document stand. This has the advantage that furtherauxiliary means which are required by the user of the support columnsystem in order for his/her activities to be carried out can be fixed tothe support column in a simple manner. In particular, no additionalcomponent has to be attached to the support column, since the documentstand is already part of the first and/or of the second supportinstallation, or is fastened thereto.

According to one advantageous refinement of the invention, it isprovided that an emergency shut-off activation element of the computerinstallation or of a system that is connected to the computerinstallation is disposed as the functional element on the functionalcover plate. This permits simple and rapid switching-off of the computerinstallation and/or of the system that is connected thereto.

According to one advantageous refinement of the invention, it isprovided that the second support installation has a profiled extrusionhaving a bearing face for the manual input device of the computerinstallation, wherein the profiled extrusion is laterally closed byclosure plates. The embodiment as a profiled extrusion has the advantagethat the second support installation can be provided in differentdimensions, depending on requirements and on the length at which a partof the profiled extrusion is severed. In this way, an adaptation of thesecond support installation to manual input devices, for examplecomputer keyboards, of various widths is possible, for example. Afurther advantage is that grooves for receiving spring nuts can beincorporated in the profiled extrusion. These grooves can be generatedalready during the extrusion procedure such that a profiled extrusionthat can be universally used is provided, from which a second supportinstallation in which, on account of the grooves available therein,integrated fastening potentials for further elements are available canbe produced. The second support installation can be configured so as tobe desk-shaped, in particular, such that a keyboard that bears on thesecond support installation has a certain inclination toward the user.

According to one advantageous refinement of the invention, it isprovided that a deployable and stowable mousepad is integrated in thesecond support installation. This has the advantage that, apart from acomputer keyboard, a computer mouse can additionally be stored on thesecond support installation and at the same time a respective operatingface is provided for the computer mouse. On account of the capability ofthe mousepad for deployment and stowage, the said mousepad can be pulledout only on demand. If said mousepad is not required, it can be stowedsuch that the second support installation requires less space.

According to one advantageous refinement of the invention, it isprovided that, additionally to the visual output device of the computerinstallation, a signal lamp is fastened to the support column. Thesignal lamp can be disposed in the upper region of the support column,for example, on top of a cover plate of the support column, inparticular. A functional state of the computer installation or of asystem that is connected to the computer installation can be displayedby way of the signal lamp, for example.

According to one advantageous refinement of the invention, it isprovided that the support column in the cross section is configured as amulti-chamber profile, wherein the multi-chamber profile has at leastone closed front chamber and one rear chamber that is open toward a rearside of the support column, wherein the front chamber is separated fromthe rear chamber by at least one internal separating wall of themulti-chamber profile. This has the advantage that the support column byvirtue of the front closed chamber thereof has a high resistance toenvironmental influences, for example contamination, and issimultaneously very robust in mechanical terms. On account of the closedfront chamber, a sealed region that is protected from moisture and whichmeets the IP65 requirements, for example, can moreover be achieved.Additionally, an open rear chamber which is open toward the rear side ofthe support column and accordingly offers ready access for attachingmountings or routing cables is present. On account of the opening on therear side, elements which are disposed in the open chamber of thesupport column are exposed to the environmental influences to a lesserdegree and are moreover noticed to a lesser degree by a user whotypically operates the computer installation that is fastened to thesupport column from the front side, said elements accordingly also notbeing perceived as disturbing.

Apart from the closed front chamber and the open rear chamber, themulti-chamber profile can have even further chambers. According to oneadvantageous refinement of the invention, the support column has onlythese two chambers, specifically the closed front chamber and the openrear chamber. A mechanically robust multi-chamber profile that isnevertheless simple to produce is provided for the support column inthis way.

The front side of the support column herein is that side where a user ofthe computer installation that is fastened to the support columnoperates said computer installation. Accordingly, the visual outputdevice is typically also oriented substantially toward the front side.The manual input device also points substantially toward the front sideof the support column. Accordingly, the rear side of the support columnis that side of the support column that faces away from the front side.

For example, the visual output device of the computer installation canbe a display screen, for example a flat screen. For example, the manualinput device of the computer installation can be a keyboard, a computermouse, or a similar input device, or a combination of such inputdevices. In particular, the computer installation can be configured asan industrial PC (IPC). For example, in the case of such an IPC, thecomputing unit can be configured integrally in one construction unitwith the visual output device, for example a display screen.

According to one advantageous refinement of the invention it is providedthat fixing installations for fastening the first and/or the secondsupport installation to the support column are disposed within the rearchamber. This has the advantage that attaching the first and/or thesecond support installation to the support column can be performed fromthe rear side of the support column, despite the elements of thecomputer installation that are supported by the first and/or the secondsupport installation being accessible from the front side of the supportcolumn. This fastening of the first and/or of the second supportinstallation at the rear has the advantage that the support column interms of the external shape thereof can be designed so as to berelatively smooth and planar both on the front side as well as on thesides, since by contrast to U.S. Pat. No. 8,191,487 B2 no guide rails orother fastening means on the front side or on the sides are required forfastening the first and/or the second support installation. Also, it isnot necessary for the closed front chamber of the support column to bedrilled in order to provide fastening bores for attaching the firstand/or the second support installation. Rather, the fixing installationsprepared within the rear chamber can be used therefor.

Depending on the embodiment of the mounting used for attaching the firstand/or the second support installation, and on the fastening means used,the fixing installations within the rear chamber can be configureddifferently, for example in the form of bores, of grooves, for examplegrooves for receiving spring nuts, or of guide rails or of other guideprofiles for receiving mountings that are adjustable in a longitudinallydisplaceable manner. A combination of a plurality of fixinginstallations can also be advantageously provided.

A nut into which a screw can be screw-fitted, wherein the nut is coupledto an expansion spring, is referred to as a spring nut. If the nuthaving the expansion spring is plug-fitted in a fixing installation thatis configured as a groove, for example in the rear chamber, the nut isheld in the groove by the expansion spring which has the tendency toexpand.

According to one advantageous refinement of the invention, it isprovided that the first support installation is fastened to the supportcolumn by means of a first mounting, and/or the second supportinstallation is fastened to the support column by means of a secondmounting. The first support installation can thus be fastened to thesupport column in particular by means of a first mounting which isconfigured as a component that is separate from the second mounting.Accordingly, the loads to be supported can be distributed acrossrespective mountings that are adapted to the load requirement. The firstmounting can be configured as a VESA mounting, for example.

According to one advantageous refinement of the invention, it isprovided that the first and/or the second mounting encompass/encompassesthe support column on both sides. Accordingly, on account of the firstand/or the second mounting, the support installation that is in eachcase fastened to either of the former can be disposed so as to besubstantially on the front side of the support column, while, as aresult of the support column being encompassed by respective lateralholding arms of the first and/or the second mounting that are routedpast the support column, this mounting can be fastened to the supportcolumn from the rear side in that the holding arms of the respectivemounting are routed to the fixing installations in the rear chamber.This permits robust fastening of the first and/or of the second supportinstallation to the support column, without disturbing the positivevisual appeal of the support column system. The first and/or the secondmounting herein can be configured in such a manner that said mounting inrelation to the support column is not rotatable about the longitudinalaxis of the support column. Should an adjustability of the position ofthe first support installation or of the second support installationnevertheless be possible in a rotation axis that is parallel with thelongitudinal axis of the support column, the first and/or the secondsupport installation can be connected to the respective mounting bymeans of a joint, for example. The first and/or the second mounting canadditionally permit an adjustability of the first or second supportinstallation that is fastened to the former about a horizontally runningaxis, for example in order for the inclination of a display screen ofthe computer installation to be adapted as desired.

According to one advantageous refinement of the invention, it isprovided that the first mounting and the second mounting are heightadjustable in a mutually separate manner. A particularly flexibleadaptation of the vertical position of the input and output devices ofthe computer installation to the requirements of a user is possible inthis way; in particular, an adaptation to an operation of the computerinstallation in a sitting or standing position of the user is possible.

The height adjustment of the first and/or of the second mounting on thesupport column can be performed for example by longitudinally displacingthe respective mounting on the support column. Herein, longitudinallydisplacing means a displacement in the direction of the verticallongitudinal axis of the support column. To this end, a slidinginstallation (slider) can be provided, for example, a slider which isattached to the outside of the support column, for example. Fixingmeans, for example a respective clamp-fixing mechanism which permitsrapid fixing by clamping the respective mounting in the desired verticalposition on the support column, can be provided in order for the firstmounting or the second mounting, respectively, to be secured in adesired and adjusted vertical position. The clamp-fixing mechanism canbe configured as a part of the slider.

According to one advantageous refinement of the invention, it isprovided that a receptacle space for a coupling element that isfastenable within the rear chamber is disposed in the rear chamber, saidcoupling element being configured as a separate component or as a partof the first or the second mounting and being arranged for fastening thefirst or the second support installation to the support column. This hasthe advantage that attaching the first and/or the second mounting to thefixing installations of the rear chamber is simplified. The couplingelement as a separate component can thus be fastened first in thereceptacle space of the rear chamber. The first or the second mountingcan then be fastened to this coupling element.

According to one advantageous refinement of the invention, it isprovided that a cable receptacle space for receiving cables that areinstalled in the rear chamber is disposed in the rear chamber betweenthe receptacle space and the internal separating wall. In this way,cables can be additionally installed in the rear chamber without theattaching of the first or of the second mounting in the rear chamber ofthe support column being impeded or disturbed. A modification of thevertical position of the aforementioned coupling element in thereceptacle space is also readily possible, even in the case of cablesthat have already been installed in the cable receptacle space.Connection cables of the visual output device of the computerinstallation, cables of the manual input device, or other cables of thecomputer installation can thus be installed in the cable receptaclespace, for example. The cables can be routed out of the rear chamber ata desired location and be routed externally about the support column tothe output device or the input device of the computer installation. Itcan be avoided in particular on account thereof that cables areinstalled in a crisscross manner outside or along the support column.

According to one advantageous refinement of the invention, it isprovided that a guide profile for a coupling element that is fastenableso as to be longitudinally displaceable within the rear chamber isdisposed in the rear chamber, the coupling element (8) being guided soas to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the supportcolumn in a substantially clearance-free manner by said guide profile.The coupling element that is fastenable in a longitudinally displaceablemanner can be configured in particular as a sliding element, that is tosay as a slider which can slide along in the guide profile and in thisway be moved to a desired vertical position. The guide profile hereincan be configured in the manner of guide rails, for example, in whichthe coupling element is guided in a sliding manner. The guide profilecan be disposed in the receptacle space, in particular.

The slider is arranged for fastening the first or the second supportinstallation to the support column. This can be performed in such amanner, for example, that the first or the second mounting is fastenedto the slider, and the respective first or second support installationis fastened to this mounting. A simple adjustability of the verticalposition of the support installation that is fastened to the slider ispossible by means of the slider in this instance.

According to one advantageous refinement of the invention, it isprovided that a coupling element, for example the aforementioned slider,which has a clamp-fixing mechanism by way of which the coupling elementwithin the rear chamber is fixedly clampable in the guide profile andthus fixable in relation to a displacement in the longitudinal directionof the support column is disposed in the rear chamber. On account ofsuch a clamp-fixing mechanism, a simple and rapid fixability of thecoupling element in relation to longitudinal displacement isimplementable. The fixation can also be released again rapidly such thatthe coupling element and accordingly the support installation that isfastened thereto by way of a mounting can be adjusted in a simple andrapid manner in relation to the vertical position of a support column.The clamp-fixing mechanism can be configured in such a manner, forexample, that a part of the coupling element that is guided in the guideprofile is expanded by tightening a clamping screw, and clamping of thecoupling element within the guide profile is implemented on accountthereof.

According to one advantageous refinement of the invention, it isprovided that grooves that for receiving spring nuts run in thelongitudinal direction of the support column are disposed in the rearchamber. Fixing installations for fastening the first and/or the secondsupport installation to the support column can be implemented withsimple means in this way, said fixing means permitting the user greatflexibility in attaching and positioning the first and the secondsupport installation. Moreover, the grooves can be utilized forfastening further elements to the support column.

According to one advantageous refinement of the invention, it isprovided that the support column in the region of the rear chamber hasgrooves for receiving flexible closure strips which are arranged forvisually covering the rear chamber toward the rear side, whilesimultaneously providing a potential conduit for cables. This permitsthe rear open chamber to be closed off at least in visual terms, withoutrestricting the potential for attaching mountings or conduits forcables. Such flexible closure strips can be implemented by bristlestrips, foam strips, textile strips, or rubber seals, for example.

According to one advantageous refinement of the invention, it isprovided that the vertical fastening means has at least one rotary jointby way of which the support column is mounted in the space so as to berotatable about the longitudinal axis of said support column. This hasthe advantage that the support column in its entirety can be rotatedabout the longitudinal axis thereof; that is to say that in the case ofa rotation of the support column, the first support installation and thesecond support installation that are fastened to said support column areconjointly moved such that a user does not have to rotate separatelyboth support installations and optionally further elements.

According to one advantageous refinement of the invention, it isprovided that a bellows is coupled to a cut-out on an external wall ofthe support column, on the one hand, and to the first or the secondsupport installation or to the first or the second mounting, on theother hand. On account thereof, an additional potential for connectioncables of the visual output device or of the manual input device to berouted in an additionally protected manner along the support column andinto the interior of the support column is achieved. In the case of anaccordingly sealed attachment to the cut-out on the external wall of thesupport column, a good protection from environmental influences can befurthermore guaranteed on account of the bellows. In particular, theIP65 conformity of the support column can be maintained. On account ofthe configuration as a bellows, a height adjustment of the first supportinstallation or of the second support installation, respectively, isfurthermore possible.

According to one advantageous refinement of the invention, the firstsupport installation and/or the second support installation are/isfastened to the support column so as to be longitudinally displaceableand are/is coupled to the support column by way of a damperinstallation, wherein the damper installation decelerates and/or damps alongitudinal displacement movement of the respective supportinstallation in relation to the support column. The damper installationcan be configured as a gas pressure spring, for example, or a similarspring installation. The respective support installation is heightadjustable at all times in this way, without fixing means having to bereleased first. Moreover, a respective adjusted height setting ismaintained by the damper installation.

According to one advantageous refinement of the invention, it isprovided that the support column system has a cable routing installationwhich has a plurality of cable routing portions which reach laterallyaround the support column, from the rear side to the front side of thesupport column. The cable routing installation can be fastened directlyto the support column, or indirectly in that the cable routinginstallation is fastened to the first or to the second supportinstallation. The cable routing installation can have at least twointerconnectable parts that are placeable laterally onto the supportcolumn.

The invention will be explained in more detail hereunder by means ofexemplary embodiments, using drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a support column system in a perspective illustration; and

FIGS. 2 to 4 show a detailed view of the support column system in theregion of the first support installation, in various views; and

FIGS. 5 to 7 show detailed views of the support column system in analternative embodiment in the region of the first support installation,in various views; and

FIG. 8 shows the support column system according to FIG. 1 in a sideview; and

FIG. 9 shows the support column system according to FIG. 1 in a viewfrom the rear side; and

FIG. 10 shows a support column system in a side view in an embodimentcomparable to that of FIG. 8, but having a modification in the region ofthe first support installation; and

FIG. 11 shows the support column system according to FIG. 10 in a viewfrom the front side; and

FIG. 12 shows a support column system equipped with a computerinstallation, in a perspective illustration; and

FIG. 13 shows the support column system according to FIG. 12 in a sideview; and

FIG. 14 shows the support column system according to FIG. 12 in a viewfrom the front side; and

FIGS. 15 to 17 show various views of a first functional cover plate; and

FIGS. 18 to 20 show various views of a second functional cover plate;and

FIG. 21 shows a cross section of a first embodiment of a support column;and

FIG. 22 shows a fraction of the support column according to FIG. 21 in aperspective illustration; and

FIG. 23 shows a cross section of a second embodiment of a supportcolumn; and

FIG. 24 shows a fraction of the support column according to FIG. 23 in aperspective illustration; and

FIG. 25 shows a cross section of a third embodiment of a support column;and

FIG. 26 shows a slider in a perspective illustration; and

FIG. 27 shows the slider according to FIG. 26 in a side view; and

FIG. 28 shows the slider according to FIG. 26 in an explodedillustration; and

FIG. 29 shows the slider as illustrated in FIG. 28, together with thefirst mounting and a fragment of the support column; and

FIG. 30 shows the elements according to FIG. 29 in the assembled state,in a perspective illustration; and

FIG. 31 shows the elements according to FIG. 30 in a view from above;and

FIG. 32 shows the elements according to FIG. 30 in a side view; and

FIG. 33 shows a second mounting, attached to the support column, and asecond support installation, in a perspective illustration; and

FIG. 34 shows a further embodiment of the second support installation ina perspective illustration; and

FIG. 35 shows a first embodiment of a vertical fastening means of thesupport column, in a perspective illustration; and

FIG. 36 shows a second embodiment of a vertical fastening means of asupport column, in a perspective illustration, and

FIG. 37 shows the first embodiment of the vertical fastening means in aperspective view onto the fastening side to the support column; and

FIG. 38 shows the first embodiment of the vertical fastening means in aperspective view onto that side that faces away from the fastening side;and

FIG. 39 shows the second embodiment of the vertical fastening means in aperspective view onto the fastening side to the support column; and

FIG. 40 shows the second embodiment of the vertical fastening means in aperspective view onto that side that faces away from the fastening side;and

FIG. 41 shows the first embodiment of the vertical fastening means in aplan view; and

FIG. 42 shows a cross section along the section line A-A through thefirst embodiment of the vertical fastening means; and

FIG. 43 shows a cross section of a fourth embodiment of a supportcolumn; and

FIG. 44 shows the upper region of a support column having a cablerouting installation, in a perspective view; and

FIG. 45 shows the parts according to FIG. 44 in an explodedillustration; and

FIG. 46 shows the upper portion of the support column according to FIG.44, in a side view; and

FIG. 47 shows a further variant of attaching a cable routinginstallation, in an illustration comparable to FIG. 44.

In the figures, same reference signs are used for mutually equivalentelements.

The support column system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 has a support column1 which is fastened to the floor by means of a vertical fastening means7 in the form of a non-rotatable foot that is disposed on the lower endof the support column 1. The support column 1 at the upper end is closedoff by a terminal plate 10. A first support installation 2 forsupporting the at least one visual output device of the computerinstallation is fastened to the support column 1 by way of a firstmounting 5. Somewhat further below, a second support installation 3 forsupporting the at least one manual input device of the computerinstallation is fastened to the support column 1 by way of a secondmounting 6. The second support installation 3 can be configured in theform of a keyboard support 30 which has a mousepad 32 that is deployableand stowable laterally from the keyboard support 30. The keyboardsupport 30 can have a bearing face 31, that faces the operator in anoblique manner, for placing a manual input device that is configured inthe form of a computer keyboard. The keyboard support 30 is connected tothe second mounting 6 by way of connection elements 33. The firstsupport installation 2 can have a mounting plate 20 which by way of anarticulated assembly is fastened in a pivotable manner to the firstmounting 5, for example, a visual output device that is configured inthe form of a display screen being able to be fastened to said mountingplate 20. On account of the pivotability, the inclination of the displayscreen toward the user can be adjusted. For the adjustment of theinclination, the articulated assembly can have a latching disk such thatthe adjustment of the inclination can be carried out in specificlatching steps.

As can be seen, the first support installation 2 and the second supportinstallation 3 point toward the same side of the support column 1 thatforms the front side V of the support column 1. That side that facesaway from the front side V is the rear side R of the support column 1.

It can furthermore be seen that a bellows 21 is fastened to the frontside V of the support column 1. The function and the fastening of saidbellows 21 will be explained in more detail hereunder.

A functional cover plate 4 is furthermore attached to the front side V.Two operating elements 40, for example in the form of buttons, aredisposed on the functional cover plate 4.

FIGS. 2 to 4 show the support column system 100 according to FIG. 1,having an alternative design embodiment in the region of the firstsupport installation 2 and of the bellows 21. FIG. 2 herein shows thesupport column 1 from the front side V, FIG. 3 in the side view, andFIG. 4 in a perspective view. It can be seen that the bellows 21 is nowsomewhat stretched. Said bellows 21 at the lower end thereof is fastenedto a cut-out of the front side V of the support column 1 by way of aflange plate 22. The bellows 21 on the upper side is screw-fitted to themounting plate 20 by way of a sleeve 23. The sleeve 23 in thisembodiment is disposed within the region that is surrounded by the anglemounting plate 20. On account of the construction as described, havingthe bellows 21, electrical lines can be routed in a sealed manner fromthe interior of the support column 1 to the visual output device that isfastened to the first support installation 2.

FIGS. 5 to 7 show a fragment of the upper part of the support column 1on which the first support installation 2 is disposed, comparable tothat of FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG. 5 again shows a view from the front side V,FIG. 6 a side view, FIG. 7 a perspective view. By contrast to theembodiment of FIGS. 2 to 4, the sleeve 23 in this embodiment is disposedoutside the region that is disposed by the angled mounting plate 20. Anadaptation that is in each case suited to the elements of the computerinstallation used, in particular to the visual output device, can beperformed by the user by selecting the respective most favorableconfiguration of the variants according to FIGS. 2 to 4, or 5 to 7.

FIGS. 8 to 9 once again show the support column system 100 according toFIG. 1, once in a side view (FIG. 8) and once in a view from the rearside R (FIG. 9). It can be seen in particular that the support column 1is open toward the rear side R such that a view into the open rearchamber 11 of the support column 1 is possible. To the extent that thesupport column 1 is to be covered from the rear side R at least invisual terms and in terms of the influence of rough dust, flexibleclosure strips 110, for example in the form of bristle strips, can bedisposed there.

It can furthermore be seen in FIG. 9 that one or a plurality offunctional cover plates 4 can be disposed on the support column 1 alsofrom the rear side R, for example in order for cable conduits from theopen chamber 11 into the closed chamber of the support column 1 to beimplemented.

The first mounting 5 and the second mounting 6 can be fastened in theinterior of the rear open chamber 11 of the support column 1 by way ofcorresponding coupling means having fixing elements, for example by wayof suitably formed fastening plates. Alternatively, a height-adjustablefixation, for example by way of a slider as will be explained in moredetail hereunder, can also be present.

An alternative type of fastening the bellows 21 to the support column 1is illustrated by means of FIGS. 10 to 11. It can be seen that thefastening location of the bellows 21 to the support column 1 does notmandatorily have to be disposed below the first support installation 2but can also be disposed above the first support installation 2. In thiscase, the bellows 21 is fastened to the support column 1 in the upperregion thereof by way of the flange plate 22.

The bellows 21 is an optional element of the support column system 100.In other words, the support column system 100 can also be implementedwithout the bellows and accordingly without the cut-out in the supportcolumn that is required therefor. For example, connection cables forparts of the computer installation can be routed from the rear side ofthe support column, emanating from the open rear chamber 11, around thesupport column to the respective part of the computer installation.

FIGS. 12 to 14 show the support column system 100 according to FIG. 1,having a visual output device 101 that is fastened to the first supportinstallation 2, and a manual input device 102 that is disposed on thesecond support installation 3, in various illustrations.

As has been explained, one or a plurality of cut-outs can be located onthe support column 1 on the front side V or the rear side R, so as tofasten respective functional cover plates 4 thereto. FIGS. 15 to 17 showa first embodiment of a functional cover plate 4 which serves mainly forrouting cables. The functional cover plate 4 has a main surface 41 whichis to be aligned toward the outside of the support column 1 and which,when attached to the support column 1, runs so as to be substantiallyparallel with the external surface of the support column 1. The mainsurface 41 is interrupted by a plurality of conduit walls 44 that aredisposed in an oblique, in this case a staggered, manner. Cut-outs forrouting cables can be disposed as required on the conduit walls 44 bythe user. It is advantageous herein for sealed cable screw fittings 45for routing cables to be attached to the conduit walls 44, in order forthe cables to be routed in a sealed manner through a wall of the supportcolumn 1.

The functional cover plate 4 has a rear fastening frame 42 which isdisposed on that side of the functional cover plate 4 that faces awayfrom the main surface 41. The fastening frame 42, when the functionalcover plate is disposed on the support column 1, is disposedsubstantially in the interior of the support column 1. The functionalcover plate in the region of the fastening frame 42 can have anencircling groove 46 for receiving a seal. Furthermore, screw-fittingbores 43 are disposed in the end regions of the functional cover plate4. In this way, the functional cover plate 4 can be fastened to the wallof the support column 1 from the outside by means of screws.

FIGS. 18 to 20, in views that are comparable to those of FIGS. 15 to 17,shows a further embodiment of a functional cover plate 4. The mainsurface 41 in this case is configured in the form of a substantiallyplanar assembly face of the functional cover plate 4. This embodiment ofthe functional cover plate 4 is particularly suitable for attachingvisual display elements, for example lights, or manual operatingelements such as buttons 40 or switches. The functional cover plates 4in the various embodiments thereof can be selected by the user accordingto requirement and be fastened to the support column 1, and should therequirements change, also be replaced.

A first embodiment of a profile of the support column 1 will beexplained by means of FIGS. 21 to 22. One front closed chamber 12 andone rear open chamber 11 is present in the case of all embodiments. Therear open chamber 11 is separated from the front closed chamber 12 byway of an internal separating wall 13. On account of the front chamber12 being configured as a closed chamber, a high degree of ruggedness ofthe support column 1 paired with high torsional rigidity is implementedby the surrounding external walls of the support column 1 in conjunctionwith the separating wall 13. On account of the rear chamber 11 beingconfigured as an open chamber, there are potentials for fitting elementsthat are to be fastened to the support column and for routing cables. Inparticular, the mountings 5, 6 can be fastened thereto.

Fixing installations 14 which are configured in the form of grooves thatrun in the longitudinal direction of the support column 1 are presentwithin the rear chamber 11. The first mounting 5 and the second mounting6 can be fastened to the support column 1 by way of the fixinginstallations 14, for example. The fixing installations 14 can also beutilized for fastening further elements. Accordingly, a coupling elementthat for coupling the first or the second mounting is fastened to thefixing installations 14 in the rear chamber 11 extends only in apart-region of the rear chamber 11, said part-region hereunder to bereferred to as the receptacle space 16 for such a coupling element. Onaccount thereof, the rear chamber 11 is split into the receptacle space16 and a further space 15, as is indicated by the punctiform line. Thefurther space 15 can be utilized as a cable receptacle space forreceiving cables that are installed in the rear chamber 11.

If fastening of the first support installation 2 or of the secondsupport installation 3 to the support column 1 is not be performed byway of a fixedly installed coupling element but in a height-adjustablemanner by way of a coupling element that is fastenable in alongitudinally displaceable manner, such as a slider, for example, guiderails 18, disposed in the rear chamber 11, for guiding such a couplingelement can be utilized. In the embodiment according to FIG. 21, theseguide rails 18 are configured in a dovetail shape, so as to guaranteereliable guiding of the coupling element.

Toward the outside, the rear chamber 11 moreover has receptacle grooves19 for receiving the flexible closure strips 110. Furthermore, theprofile of the support strip 1 has hollow chambers 17, running in thelongitudinal direction and having a circular cross section. These hollowchambers 17 can be utilized, for example, for fastening the upperterminal plate 10 to the support strip 1, or for fastening the verticalfastening means 7.

FIGS. 23 to 24 show a second embodiment of a profile of the supportcolumn 1, having a front chamber 12 that is extended in length. Theprofile in the region of the rear chamber 11 is configured in a mannercomparable to that profile that has been described by means of FIGS. 21to 22.

5

FIG. 25 shows a further embodiment of a profile of the support column 1,which in the region of the front chamber 12 corresponds substantially tothe embodiment of FIGS. 21 to 22, but has points of differentiation inthe region of the rear chamber 11. The guide rails 18 in the case of theembodiment of FIG. 25 are thus configured having side walls that run inparallel, that is to say that are not dovetail-shaped.

FIG. 43 shows a further embodiment of a profile of the support column 1,which differs from the embodiment of FIG. 22 by way of additional webs119 that protrude into the receptacle space 16. The webs 119 aredisposed in the region of the guide rails 18. The webs 119 serve foradditionally guiding and clamping the slider 8 within the guide rails18.

As has been mentioned, a slider can be guided in a sliding manner withinthe receptacle space 16 of the profile of the support column. This willbe explained in more detail hereunder by means of FIGS. 26 to 32. First,FIG. 26 shows a slider 8 in the assembled state. The slider 8 has a mainbody 80, a protruding fastening region 83 being molded to that side ofsaid main body 80 that points toward the rear side R of the supportcolumn, the first or the second mounting 5, 6 being able to be fastenedto said fastening region 83. A central fastening screw 85 is providedfor fastening the mounting to the slider. Further screws 84 whichfunction as clamping screws of a clamp-fixing mechanism of the slider 8are present on the upper and the lower end of the slider 8. To this end,the slider 8 on that side of the main body 80 that faces away from thefastening region 83 has pivotable clamping elements 81 which areconnected to the main body 80 in an articulated manner (by way of joints82). The clamping elements 81 are connected to the main body 80 by wayof materially integral joints 82, for example. If a clamping screw 84that is assigned to the respective clamping element 81 is tightened,said clamping screw 84 presses against the respective clamping element81 and expands the latter somewhat away from the main body 80 such thatthe slider 8 can be fixedly clamped within the guide rails 18. In orderfor a basic setting of the clamping elements 81 that is suitable forsliding along the guide rails 18 with a minor effort in terms of forceto be guaranteed, adjustable zero-position elements 88, for example inthe form of screws by way of which a zero position (neutral position) ofthe clamping elements 81 can be pre-set, are present.

The slider 8, in particular the main body 80 thereof and the clampingelements 81, can be made of metal or plastics, for example. In order forfavorable sliding properties to be guaranteed within the guide rails 18,in a manner independent of the resulting pairing of materials of theslider 8 and the material of the support column 1, sliding elements 87can be clipped to the slider 8 at various external positions, or befastened to the latter in another way. The sliding elements 87 can becomposed of Teflon, for example, or of another suitable low-frictionmaterial.

Furthermore to be seen is a rear holding element 86 which serves as thecounter bearing for the holding screw 85 and a mounting 5, 6 that isfastened thereto and which is disposed on the side of the clampingelement 81 on a roughly central location on the slider. The first or thesecond mounting 5, 6 is thus fastened to the fastening region 83 by wayof the holding screw 85. The holding screw 85 herein is screw-fittedinto a thread of the rear holding element 86.

As is shown in FIGS. 30 to 32, the pre-assembled unit composed of themounting 5 and the slider 8 can be introduced into the rear chamber 11and in particular into the guide rails 18 from above or below, but inany case from one open side of the support column 1. In order for theslider 8 to be fixed in a desired vertical position, the two clampingscrews 84 are tightened. If the vertical position is to be modifiedagain, only the clamping screws 84 have to be released for the verticalposition to be modified. Thereafter, renewed clamp-fixing is performedby tightening the clamping screws 84.

In order for cables that are routed within the cable receptacle space 15in the longitudinal direction of the support column 1 to be heldreliably in this cable receptacle space 15 and in particular in order toavoid any conflicts in a readjustment of the slider 8, transverselyrunning cable holding plates can be disposed in suitable locations onthe fixing installations 14, for example by way of spring nuts that areinserted into the latter.

FIGS. 33 to 34, in an enlarged illustration, show the region of thesecond support installation 3 of the support column 1. It can be seen inparticular that the connection elements 33 can be adjustable for lengthby way of longitudinal slots 34, that is to say that the spacing of thekeyboard support 30 from the support column 1 can be adapted torequirements. Additionally, a cover flap can be fastened to the keyboardsupport 30, the former being able to be folded closed for covering thekeyboard. In this way, the keyboard, when not being activated, isprotected from environmental influences. In particular, the keyboardsupport 30 can have a central profiled extrusion having the bearing face31, said central profiled extrusion being laterally closed off byclosure plates 35. A slot 36 for routing the mousepad 32 can be disposedin one or in both lateral closure plates 35.

FIG. 35 shows a stationary foot 70 of the support column system 100 as avertical fastening means 7. Any subsequent adjustment of the supportcolumn 1 is impossible in the case of the stationary foot 70 which isscrew-fitted to the floor by way of fastening bores. Therefore, arotatable foot 70 according to FIG. 36 can be alternatively employed.Said rotatable foot 70 disposes of a rotary joint 71 which enablesrotation of the support column 1 about the longitudinal axis of thelatter, this is to say about the vertical axis.

Both embodiments of the foot 70 have a cut-out 72 which serves forrouting cables. The cables can be further installed in a cable duct orin the floor, for example.

The support column 1 by way of the vertical fastening means 7 can alsobe fastened onto a trolley such that a mobile support column system 100is implemented. The vertical fastening means 7 can also be fastened tothe upper side of the support column instead of the terminal plate 10.In this way, the support column 1 can be fastened to the ceiling of aroom or to a support beam.

The support column system 100 according to the invention can becomplemented by an additional component in the form of a cable routinginstallation 9, as is shown in FIGS. 44 to 47. The cable routinginstallation 9 serves for routing cables from the rear side R of thesupport column 1 to the front side V, for example cable of the visualoutput device, of the manual input device, or other cables of thecomputer installation. The cables can thus be routed within the supportcolumn 1, in particular in the receptacle space 16, and can be routed ina visually appealing manner out of the support column 1 toward the frontside V to the respective part of the computer installation. The cablerouting installation 9 herein forms a cable duct. The cables herein arelargely encapsulated, at least in visual terms.

The cable routing installation 9 can be composed of two parts that areconfigured in a mutually mirror-symmetrical manner and which are placedonto the support column 1 from left to right, or onto the first supportinstallation 2 or the second support installation 3, respectively, andare connected to one another. Each of the mirror-symmetrical parts canhave a rear cable routing portion 90, a lateral cable routing portion91, and a front-side cable-routing portion 92, said portions beingdisposed in this sequence such that cables can be routed continuouslyfrom the rear cable routing portion 90 through the lateral cable routingportion 91 toward the front-side cable-routing portion 92.

In order for the respective part of the cable routing installation to befastened to the support column 1 or to the first or the second supportinstallation 2, 3, the respective part can have a fastening face 93 inwhich through bores for screws to pass through are present, for example.FIG. 44 shows the cable routing installation 9 that has been describedabove attached to the first support installation 2, specifically in afirst fastening position in which the cable routing portions 90, 91, 92are disposed below the fastening face 93. As becomes evident inparticular from the illustration in FIG. 45, the respective halves ofthe cable routing installation 9 can be coupled to one another by way ofconnection pieces 94, for example in the form of connection plates, suchthat the interfaces of said halves bear on one another in a flushmanner. The connection pieces 94 can be fastened to the first supportinstallation 2 by way of screws 95, for example, in conjunction withwasher 96, for example. The connection pieces 94 can be fastened to theparts of the cable routing installation 9 by way of screws 95.

FIG. 46 shows the assembly according to FIG. 44 in a side view. Thecurved profile of the lateral cable routing portion 91 can be seen inparticular.

FIG. 47 shows that the cable routing installation 9 can also be fittedin a second fastening position in such a manner that the fastening face93 is disposed below the cable routing portions 90, 91, 92.

1. A support column system for supporting at least one computerinstallation, comprising: a) at least one elongate support columnarranged for vertical fitting; b) at least one vertical fastening meansarranged for fastening the at least one elongate support columnvertically to a floor, a ceiling, or a wall of a room, or for fasteningthe at least one elongate support column to a roller platform; c) atleast one first support installation fastened to the at least oneelongate support column, for supporting at least one visual outputdevice of the computer installation; d) at least one second supportinstallation fastened to the at least one elongate support column, forsupporting at least one manual input device of the computerinstallation; wherein the at least one elongate support column has atleast one cut-out in an externally accessible wall, wherein at least onefunctional element is routed through the at least one cut-out, whereinthe at least one functional cover plate is fastened in or on the atleast one cut-out and covers the at least one cut-out, and wherein theat least one functional element by way of the at least one functionalcover plate is routed through the at least one cut-out in a sealedmanner.
 2. The support column system according to claim 1 wherein the atleast one functional cover plate is disposed on a front side or a rearside of the at least one elongate support column.
 3. The support columnsystem according to claim 1 wherein the at least one functional coverplate has at least one conduit wall running obliquely to thelongitudinal axis of the at least one elongate support column, forrouting a cable.
 4. The support column system according to claim 1wherein the at least one functional cover plate has a fastening framewhich in terms of dimensions thereof is adapted to dimensions of the atleast one cut-out.
 5. The support column system according to claim 1wherein the at least one elongate support column is composed entirely orlargely of metal.
 6. The support column system according to claim 1wherein the at least one functional cover plate is composed entirely orlargely of plastics.
 7. The support column system according to claim 1wherein one or more of the first support installation and the secondsupport installation has at least one document stand.
 8. The supportcolumn system according to claim 1 wherein the at least one functionalelement on the functional cover plate is or includes an emergencyshut-off activation element of the computer installation or of a systemthat is connected to the computer installation.
 9. The support columnsystem according to claim 1 wherein the at least one second supportinstallation has a profiled extrusion having a bearing face for the atleast one manual input device of the computer installation, wherein theprofiled extrusion is laterally closed by closure plates.
 10. Thesupport column system according to claim 1 further comprising adeployable and stowable mousepad is integrated in the at least onesecond support installation.
 11. The support column system according toclaim 1 further comprising a signal lamp is fastened to the at least oneelongate support column.
 12. The support column system according toclaim I further comprising a bellows is coupled to a the at least onecut-out on an external wall of the at least one elongate support column,and to one or more of the at least one first support installation or theat least one second support installation or to a first or a secondmounting.
 13. The support column system according to claim 1 furthercomprising a cable routing installation which has a plurality of cablerouting portions which reach laterally around the at least one elongatesupport column, from a rear side to a front side of the at least oneelongate support column.
 14. The support column system of claim 3wherein the at least one conduit wall includes a plurality of conduitwalls that are disposed in an oblique staggered manner.